The building was burning in the top storey, and the men, under Superintendent Napier, set to work with a will, but found it no easy task to get the flames under control, and it was not until well on towards half-past 9 that the fire was mastered. The portion of the structure where the flames originated was considerably burned, but the damage is not considered to be great, as it is an old building which was being used as a bottling store. The damage to the contents was slight. The brigade found its electric ladder most serviceable. The insurances were not available last evening.
• On Sunday last Mr and Mrs Walsh and family, of Mosgiel, were out spending the day at Silverstream, and while bathing one of the girls got out of her depth, and her father, in trying to save her, was soon in difficulties, owing to the girl clutching his neck. A boy named Ivor Scott, seeing Mr Walsh in trouble, dived in and brought the girl to safety. He then returned and endeavoured to rescue Mr Walsh, who had gone down the third time. In this he was successful, and with the aid of Mrs Walsh dragged him to the bank in an unconscious condition, and immediately rendered first-aid, which brought Mr Walsh round. Assistance was also given by a gentleman who was camping nearby. This gentleman spoke highly of the boy’s action, and said had it not been for him Mr Walsh and his daughter would probably have been drowned. Mr Walsh is progressing favourably. Ivor Scott is a member of the Mosgiel Boy Scouts, and his action reflects credit on the troop. There is every probability of the boy’s pluck being recognised by a public subscription.
• The life habits of stubble quail are fully dealt with in reports which the New Zealand Board of Agriculture has received from Mr W. J. Spafford, Superintendent of Experimental Works, Department of Agriculture, Adelaide, South Australia, and the Acting-Chief Inspector of Fisheries and Game, Victoria. In both reports the opinion is expressed that Australian stubble quail, if introduced into New Zealand, will not be likely to prove harmful to farmers; on the contrary, it is stated that these birds eat an enormous quantity of weed seeds and insects, and mention is made of the fact that in Southern Victoria their favourite food is the black seed of the spear grass, dock seeds, crickets, and weevils. It is urged by the Australian writers that it is one of the few introduced birds that is doing a very good work, and that it should be protected all the year round because of its value to the agriculturist as a weed and insect destroyer. The board has decided to thank the writers for the information furnished, and to forward copies of the reports to the Minister and to the New Zealand Farmers’ Union for the information of the members of that body who have expressed fears that the introduction of stubble quail into the dominion may prove a menace to the farmer.
• Negligent and drunken motor car drivers are causing the Taranaki County Council some concern. At the monthly meeting of the council two instances were given of drunken motorists, who were considered a menace to the travelling public. It was pointed out that a big difficulty lay in the fact that vehicles were licensed, but the drivers were not. It was decided to obtain legal advice on the question. — ODT, 16.1.1917.
• COPIES OF PICTURE AVAILABLE FROM ODT FRONT OFFICE, LOWER STUART ST, OR WWW.OTAGOIMAGES.CO.NZ
